Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
